They May Last Only One Season

The Lakers are counting on it being a memorable season. It could be only one.

Gary Payton and Karl Malone signed two-year contracts, but both can leave after one year, at their options.

So they’ll play, they’ll see how they feel about each other, and everybody will think it over again, same time next year.

“A championship is what they expect,” Malone said. “But, I also want them to like that we’re here. I signed a one-year deal, and I want them to say, ‘We want you back.’ I don’t want to be anyplace that doesn’t want me. So I’m here and I’m ready to do this.”

Once they come, very few leave willingly. But personalities clash, especially big ones. Considering both signed for far less than their market values, neither desired to enter into a long-term contract that one side or the other would regret.

Also, Malone is almost 40. Payton, who could have had a four-year deal, is almost 35.

“We’re leaving options open for the Lakers and myself,” Payton said. “We just wanted to come in here and get the job done first. We’ll see how it goes, get a feel for it, get a feel for everything.

“Me and Karl, if we win the championship, I don’t think we’re going to go anywhere. I think we’ll come back again.”

Added Malone: “We’re just going to take our time here, and win the first one first and then we’ll go from there. That’s what I’m saying.

“I don’t even know if you guys like us. Y’all might run us out of town after the first year.”

-- Tim Brown